Hands-On Experience for Perfect Road Markings
How can rigid, prefabricated thermoplastic elements become long-lasting markings that remain reliably visible every day? This question took center stage under bright autumn skies at the SWARCO PREFORMED application training, which once again attracted numerous customers. At SWARCO’s Recklinghausen site, the focus was not only on theory and technology but also on hands-on experience and practical exchange.
From Theory to Safe Application
During the theory session, participants gained a clear overview of the features and versatile applications of SWARCO PREFORMED. Known for exceptional durability, skid resistance, and color brilliance, these preformed thermoplastic markings help enhance road safety.
In the practical session that followed, participants melted, applied, and exchanged ideas. Under expert guidance, they learned what really matters when it comes to substrate preparation, temperature control, and the proper application of reflective glass beads. The direct exchange with application specialists was especially appreciated – participants gained valuable first-hand tips, from avoiding common mistakes to checking adhesion.
Hands-On Learning with Real Added Value
"You can only appreciate the quality once you’ve experienced the application first-hand,” one participant summed up perfectly. That’s precisely what gives this training its value – theory and practice work together, and every step offers a chance to learn through experience. At the same time, the event fosters dialogue between users, technicians, and the SWARCO team.
Why Practical Training Matters
- Direct knowledge transfer: Theory and practice come together. Questions can be answered immediately and experiences shared.
- Safety through know-how: Proper application is essential to ensure the durability and visibility of markings – and thus make a vital contribution to road safety.
- Efficiency through experience: Training enables the optimal use of materials and helps prevent common mistakes, resulting in savings of time, energy, and cost.
- Exchange at eye level: Personal interaction enables us to gather direct feedback from users and incorporate it into our product and service development.
Looking Ahead
Following the successful October session, one thing is clear: interest in hands-on training remains high. Further sessions are already being planned for 2026, as durable road markings require both knowledge and expertise.
What is SWARCO PREFORMED?
SWARCO PREFORMED are prefabricated road and floor markings based on thermoplastic. These markings can be individually designed and cut to size in the factory. Application is quick and easy: after a brief preparation, the material simply needs to be heated.
For which areas of application is SWARCO PREFORMED suitable?
SWARCO PREFORMED is suitable for a wide range of applications on roads, schoolyards, playgrounds, parking lots, cycle paths and industrial areas. The prefabricated markings are ideal for realizing traffic signs, creative play areas or completely individual designs.
What options of SWARCO PREFORMED are available?
There are currently five SWARCO PREFORMED areas that reflect different possibilities: SWARCO PREFORMED Symbols can be used to create different lines, arrows, letters, numbers and traffic signs of all kinds. SWARCO PREFORMED Bespoke stands for special characters and individual designs such as company logos. SWARCO PREFORMED Playground offers colorful ground markings for schoolyards and playgrounds. With the roll material from SWARCO PREFORMED ECO Rolls, lines can be applied easily and small areas can also be repaired. SWARCO PREFORMED ECO Sheets are designed for marking larger areas.
How is SWARCO PREFORMED applied?
First, the outline of the marking is marked out with chalk on the cleaned surface. If the surface is wet or cold, it must be dried and preheated. A primer is applied for better adhesion. The SWARCO PREFORMED marking is then applied and heated with a gas burner. Optionally, reflective glass beads and grip agents can be sprinkled on afterwards. After a successful adhesion test, the marking is cleaned with a broom to remove any excess grit.
What equipment is required for the application of SWARCO PREFORMED?
To apply SWARCO PREFORMED, all you need is a gas burner, a broom, chalk and, if required, grit. For optimum adhesion to the substrate, a primer can also be used, for which a roller or brush is usually also advantageous.
At what temperatures can SWARCO PREFORMED be used?
SWARCO PREFORMED markings can be applied all year round. Application is only not recommended at temperatures below 5°C. For optimum adhesion, wet and cold surfaces must be dried and preheated.
What advantages does SWARCO PREFORMED offer over other marking materials?
SWARCO PREFOMED elements are prefabricated in the production plant and are therefore ready for immediate use. This reduces preparation time, as no templates or masking work are required. This saves time and minimizes sources of error. Application is simple, clean and fast. In addition, the consistently high quality of the prefabricated symbols ensures a uniform, professional appearance. Other advantages include year-round usability, individual design options and suitability for various surfaces.
How durable are SWARCO PREFORMED markings?
SWARCO PREFORMED markings are extremely resistant to frost, snow, ice, salt and oil. This increases their durability and reduces the amount of maintenance work required.
In which colors are SWARCO PREFORMED markings available?
SWARCO PREFORMED elements are available in a wide range of colors - even in your favorite color on request. A minimum quantity must be observed.
What special solutions for playgrounds and schoolyards can be realized with SWARCO PREFORMED?
With SWARCO PREFORMED Playground, there are no limits to creativity - from letter mazes to number snakes and from giant compasses to moon rockets, many things can be realized. The SWARCO portfolio includes numerous animal, play and course markings - and even your own play ideas can be realized on request.
Can SWARCO PREFORMED be used on color-coded cycle paths?
Yes, prefabricated thermoplastics can be combined very well with surface markings made of cold plastics (e.g. rubbing and rolling plastics). They can be easily burned onto the marking. Thanks to their high abrasion resistance, prefabricated thermoplastics are particularly durable.
What is SWARCO PREFORMED suitable for on cycle paths?
SWARCO PREFORMED is used on cycle paths to apply symbols, arrows and pictograms precisely, permanently and quickly. This improves the visibility of important signs and increases the safety of cyclists and other road users.
How can I register for a product training course for SWARCO PREFOMED?
The SWARCO site in Recklinghausen (Germany) is already working on plans for the next product training course. Interested parties can register without obligation at /de/registrierung-swarco-preformed-schulung. If the number of registrations is sufficient, interested parties will be informed of the planned date.
What needs to be considered from a legal perspective when implementing logos or designs?
As with all applications, a logo or design realized with SWARCO PREFORMED is subject to the necessary rights of use.
About SWARCO Road Marking Systems
Quality products and services from SWARCO Road Marking Systems guide traffic safely from A to B by day and, above all, by night. On all types of roads. Whatever the weather. From a single source. Over 5,000 customers in more than 80 countries place their trust in them.